McCormick’s Creek State Park
A limestone canyon, creek falls, old forest, quarry, CCC bridge, nature center, and fire tower share a park whose tornado recovery remains part of the present landscape.
Artwork inspired by John Ottis Adams
Founded in 1916 as Indiana’s first state park, McCormick’s Creek combines a small limestone gorge and waterfall with forest, historic quarry traces, CCC construction, and Canyon Inn. The March 2023 tornado damaged forest, trails, and campground infrastructure, and recovery remains visible. That disturbance is now part of how visitors can understand succession, safety work, and the difference between a preserved landscape and a static one.
Check the official alert box before choosing a trail because closures continue to change. The canyon and falls are scenic but modest; close geology, spring plants, and creek processes are the richer reward. The accessible nature-center trail and all-terrain mobility equipment expand options, while the inn provides a weather-proof base. Never cross barriers into damaged or closed areas, even when an old map shows a route.
- Established
- 1916
- Geology
- Limestone canyon
- Recovery
- 2023 tornado damage
Quick guide
- Read current alerts
- Tornado recovery has changed trails, campground access, and familiar routes.
- Look closely at limestone
- Study ledges, creek action, fossils, and quarry history rather than expecting a tall waterfall.
How to visit a recovering park
- Read current alerts
- Tornado recovery has changed trails, campground access, and familiar routes.
- Look closely at limestone
- Study ledges, creek action, fossils, and quarry history rather than expecting a tall waterfall.
- Notice succession
- Compare intact forest, blowdown, management work, and regenerating openings.
- Ask about mobility gear
- Motorized and manual all-terrain wheelchairs may be available through the park.
Good to know
Open daily 7 a.m.–11 p.m.; nature center is normally open most days. Standard state-park vehicle fees apply. Some trails and the campground remain affected by tornado recovery, so consult alerts rather than saved maps. Accessible visitor facilities, a nature trail, and all-terrain mobility chairs are available; reserve specialized equipment ahead.
Notice these
- McCormick’s Creek Falls
- CCC stone arch bridge
- Statehouse Quarry